It's over

[cjsmith]

I'm home, and it's over. Key turned in, personal mail copied to thumb drive, papers organized, work in progress turned over to coworker, mug and pretty stone pen holder brought home, glass of wine consumed, trashy novel read.

It's still sinking in. What am I going to do with myself now?

Time to hop to it and answer that question.

Comments

[sunnydale47.livejournal.com]

I'm glad it's over. Leaving a job is like a divorce ... even if it was your idea, the parting is hard.

Now you're your own woman for awhile! Yes, you need to start looking, but take a week to relax and decompress and just be. You deserve it!

[cjsmith.livejournal.com]

That icon is very apt! Yes, I've been mentally likening it to a breakup. Even if you know there are better matches out there, there's always a lot that's good about the one you're leaving, and that makes it tough.

[rampling.livejournal.com]

Congratulations, *hugs*, and *kitty-purrs*.

I hope you find exploring your new question exciting and fun!

[cjsmith.livejournal.com]

Thanks! Right now it's a little daunting, but then, right now just sitting here in my living room is daunting.

[rampling.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I can sure understand the daunting part. *MORE-HUGS*

But I hope you can focus more on the feeling of release and freedom, at least for the near bits of time. Maybe you could give yourself the gift of some fixed amount of time *after which* you can let in that daunting sensation and get focussed and in gear about your next moves. Seems to me like now is the time to revel in your active taking charge of an uncomfortable situation by making a big move that you *needed* to do! That takes guts and I hope you can feel proud and enjoy some of it.

I'm impressed with your strength and decisiveness... and envious!

[wooddragon.livejournal.com]

What you said! You took charge and made an important change. Good for you! I think it's a huge accomplishment, and not one that's easy to make.

[cjsmith.livejournal.com]

Thanks! There's a fine line between guts and stupidity, so if this still looks like guts in a few weeks I'll be happy. :-)

[cjsmith.livejournal.com]

Thanks! As I just said to wooddragon, there's a fine line between guts and stupidity. But as you say, I *needed* to do it. Now for part two, also required! :-)

[kimatha.livejournal.com]

Congratulations on your new freedom! :)

[cjsmith.livejournal.com]

Thanks! That plus some kitty-purrs and some ferocious denial about job searches, and I'll be in pretty good shape. :)

[irascignavojo.livejournal.com]

I can supply some kitty-purrs from Gelfling - and a hug or two...

As for denial - just google for the Ancient Cult of the Two Headed Turtle - or look at my next LJ-post

[cjsmith.livejournal.com]

Mmm, thank you! Extra kitty purrs are always good. Temporary applications of denial are also excellent.

[jtidwell.livejournal.com]

Congratulations! First thing I'd do: sleep in on Monday. :-)

[cjsmith.livejournal.com]

Well, 'cept for that doctor's appointment... (sheepish grin)! Tuesday for sure!

[jb98.livejournal.com]

Congrats!

[cjsmith.livejournal.com]

Thanks! :)

[joedecker.livejournal.com]

Congratulations!!!

[cjsmith.livejournal.com]

Thanks! :)

[aliceinfinland.livejournal.com]

Congratulations! You'll be fine. And you learned you'll have great recommendations from there down the road.

[cjsmith.livejournal.com]

Thanks! Yes, I was surprised at one of my coworkers who simply volunteered to provide a recommendation for me. I hadn't even thought of it.

[quasigeostrophy.livejournal.com]

I'm glad you're out of there.

What am I going to do with myself now?

You're going to find something that is more suited for you, whatever that may be. I have loads of confidence. :-)

[cjsmith.livejournal.com]

Thanks! I'm glad I'm out too. It's bittersweet -- there's a lot I'll miss. But this was necessary. Now to find something excellent.

[lkeele.livejournal.com]

Hugs.

And good luck.

[cjsmith.livejournal.com]

Thanks! And hugs back!

[ladycelia.livejournal.com]

Gutsy move--and, I'm sure, a good one.
Congratulations!

[cjsmith.livejournal.com]

I hope so. Thanks!

[kennita.livejournal.com]

"Hop to it" does not seem like the answer right now. You may be addicted to get-up-and-go, but now is a time to slow down and look up, down, around, and inside -- at a leisurely pace, so you don't miss anything :-) .

You can come hang at my house some day this week if you want.

[cjsmith.livejournal.com]

A good point: answering this question is not a task of activity, but of navel-gazing and web surfing. :-)

Sounds good! Now that I'm not going to my brother's graduation after all...

The first few days...

[elflet.livejournal.com]

The first week or so after leaving HP (a layoff, which was hardly a surprise), I took a week to just take it easy and be good to myself. It's totally normal and totally cool.

You're not the kind of person who's going to sit there permanently, so there's no need to worry that you won't go find an excellent new job when the time is ready for you.

Re: The first few days...

[cjsmith.livejournal.com]

*nod* When I got laid off from Broadcom (again, hardly a surprise), I took fourteen months to take it easy and be good to myself. ;-) I was pretty burned out...

My fingers are crossed for that "excellent" part. Must find good fit. If that means extra looking or extra interviewing, that's okay.